“Fraternity” is inspired by real-life people, philosophies, and communities, but it is set in an imaginary town. The date is 1863, and the Civil War is still raging. The town of New Fraternity is a utopian experiment founded on the idea of equality for all. The town thinks it is removed from the war, but unfortunately finds it cannot escape the external War nor the internal battle being waged within the town.
Plotlines featuring various characters – a feral boy rescued from the forest, a returning wanderer, an independent thinking schoolteacher, etc., are interwoven, painting a complex tale of how human nature can ultimately ruin a wonderful ideal. Peace is easy when prosperity reigns, but tensions rise when times are tough. All of a sudden, socioeconomics, race, gender, ideology, and religion divide people. And then add to that already potent combination, a demon living in the nearby forest, which is terrifying the townspeople.
Munuera’s art is detailed and gorgeous. Sedyas’ colors are dark and muted, creating atmosphere and increasing tension. Canales exercises control in knowing when to allow the visuals to tell the story and when to include dialogue. It is in the silences that we are allowed time to process and feel the horror building as the story heads toward its inevitable conclusion.
I would recommend “Fraternity.” It is a beautiful and tragic reminder of what happens when we let fear control us.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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